FRANK LAMPARD finds himself in a coach’s dream position; he has three quality choices to fit in to a midfield two.
Of course, there are no definitive starting positions in the ranks, and there will always be rotation.
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has starred this season after completing a permanent switch from Real Madrid in the summerCredit: Getty – Contributor
But if we are to talk about Lampard’s strongest midfield double pivot, it is becoming a battle between Jorginho and N’Golo Kante as to who joins Mateo Kovacic.
This is solely down to the incredible form of Kovacic that has made him indispensable in this Chelsea team right now.
The three of them have all played together in a midfield three and that is of course still an option.
But for me this does not bring enough balance, dynamism or creativity in the attacking third as it takes away the use of a more advanced midfielder playing in the No10 role.
Lampard will tweak tactics of course and sometimes may need to use a tighter and more compact midfield depending on opposition, but his best formation for me is 4-2-3-1.
Jorginho has been magnificent for Chelsea this season, up until the last few matches where if anything, he has looked a little fatigued.
As a result he was rested against Aston Villa in the week. Kante and Kovacic were absolutely superb in his absence.
He will have his work cut out to oust either of them in the next match, if Lampard opts to stick with a midfield two.
Kovacic, 27, has chipped in with four goals and two assists in 21 games this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
Chelsea’s manager from last season, Maurizio Sarri. knows Jorginho very well – having coached him at Napoli before heading to West London.
He was quoted as saying “Jorginho is not suitable for a 4-2-3-1”, after he subbed him in a Chelsea match last season.
This is probably true on the whole. He is much more comfortable when he is playing in a midfield three.
So if Lampard wishes to use two, I think more often than not Jorginho will lose out to Kante, who brings more to the pivot role with his energy, dribbling, pace, and ability to go box to box.
Kovacic for me right now, is the first midfielder on that team sheet, I have no doubt about that.
He brings everything to that position and has a unique ability to be able to dribble his way out of tight, deep areas.
The Croatian is proving to be the bargain of the century at £40million and he is so important to Lampard’s style of play.
He moves the ball fast, is very press-resistant, high intensity, quick across the park, and is also now bringing more to the offensive side of his game as well, which was his only weakness.
Lampard revealed just last week that he has been encouraging and coaching Kovacic to shoot more, and work on his timing arriving into the box.
And what a man to learn from, as there wasn’t anyone better at doing this than Lampard in his playing days.
But if Kovacic continues his form, and adds more to his offensive game, Chelsea really do have one of the best midfielders in the world on their hands.
*Simon Phillips is a writer for independent Blues website TalkChelsea.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
